Head of English

• Influence literacy, learning and academic excellence across the School
• Lead a talented team of specialist English teachers
• Shape a cohesive and ambitious English curriculum from Years 7–12

About the Role

English sits at the heart of learning at Canberra Grammar School, connecting every student, every year.

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Head of English to lead the next chapter of English education at CGS. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape a rigorous, engaging and inclusive Years 7–12 curriculum across the IB Middle Years Programme, IB Diploma Programme and NSW Higher School Certificate.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in strengthening the implementation of MYP Language and Literature and creating a purposeful transition into senior pathways. You will champion outstanding teaching, thoughtful curriculum design and the development of confident readers, writers, speakers and critical thinkers.

As Head of English, you will lead a team of dedicated specialist teachers, build a culture of professional ambition and shared accountability, and ensure excellence in every English classroom.

About You

You will have a genuine love of English, literature and language, and the ability to inspire it in students and colleagues. The will lead and grow a team of specialist teachers, with credibility and generosity. Your high standards and sound judgement in curriculum, assessment and the selection of texts will shine. You will also have a commitment to inclusive excellence, with the conviction that every student can grow as a reader, writer and speaker.

• Design, develop and maintain an English curriculum programme that meets the needs of all students in the School from Year 7 to Year 12
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to advise and liaise across all levels of an organisation and with parents and guardians
• Provide strategic leadership within their domain that is explicitly aligned to CGS100 and to the framework or frameworks governing their area of responsibility 
• Contribute to whole-School alignment across academic, co-curricular, wellbeing and operational domains with coherence and clarity of purpose 
• Make evidence-informed decisions and maintain disciplined planning, review and accountability cycles within their domain 
• Take active responsibility for the performance, development and wellbeing of the people they lead 
• Foster a culture of shared accountability, professional ambition, mutual respect and continuous improvement within their team 
• Manage the human, financial and physical resources entrusted to their domain with care, rigour and transparency 
• Represent CGS with authority, credibility and care in internal and external forums 
• Lead by example in the teaching of English across the age and ability range of the School 
• Represent the Faculty in Work Health and Safety matters and lead the safe conduct of Faculty excursions, competitions and events 
• Demonstrated success teaching English across the secondary years and the senior pathways, including the IB MYP, the IB DP and the HSC 
• Demonstrated capacity to lead curriculum design, assessment and moderation in English 
• Demonstrated capacity to lead, develop and hold accountable a team of teachers, including through the Professional Growth Cycle 
• Demonstrated use of performance data to improve student outcomes 
• Excellent written and spoken English, effective interpersonal communication and strong technological literacy.

Personal Attributes 

• A genuine love of English, literature and language
• The vision and energy to inspire students and colleagues
• The credibility, warmth and generosity to lead and grow a talented team
• High standards and sound judgement in curriculum, assessment and text selection
• A reflective, collaborative and courageous approach to leadership
• A commitment to inclusive excellence and the conviction that every student can grow as a reader, writer, speaker and thinker.

All team members at CGS are required to have:

• Appropriate qualifications
• A valid ACT Working with Vulnerable People Card
• A current National Police Check
• Full working rights within Australia.

Benefits for you

As a CGS team member, you have access to a range of additional benefits, including:

• A highly competitive salary and superannuation of 13.5% (for permanent team members)
• Staff awards program and generous professional development funding
• Attractive salary packaging arrangements
• Complimentary daily barista-made coffee
• Delicious daily morning tea and discounted lunches
• Access to the onsite health clinic and annual influenza vaccinations
• 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Program
• 14 weeks of paid parental leave (for permanent team members)
• School fee concessions (for permanent team members)
• Onsite parking

Working at CGS

At Canberra Grammar School, you will join a vibrant, welcoming and forward-thinking educational community where ambitious ideas are encouraged and exceptional teaching is valued.

You will have the opportunity to shape a Faculty, influence learning across the School and contribute to the future of education at CGS. Our educators are supported to innovate, deepen their practice and make a meaningful difference while placing student learning and wellbeing at the centre of everything they do.

How to Apply

Please visit cgs.act.edu.au/careers/ to access the Information Pack and submit the following documents:

• Cover letter (addressing the selection criteria in the Position Description)
• Resume/CV

Canberra Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will undergo child-safety screening and recruitment checks in accordance with the School’s Child Safe policies.

Applications will be assessed as they are received, and the vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.